Rio Ferdinand backing Man Utd for explosive title charge

TITLE WARNING: Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United are right back in title form [ACTION IMAGES/CARL RECINE]

United suffered a woeful start to the season under new boss David Moyes to find themselves languishing in mid-table.

The champions lost to Liverpool and Manchester City before crashing to a shock home defeat to West Brom that stunned fans and players alike.

That sequence of results raised questions about United's decision to appoint Moyes as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor and whether or not his side could make a competitive defence of their Premier League crown.

But the doubters have disappeared after United's nine-game unbeaten run, including a huge home win over leaders Arsenal before the international break.

United have climbed to fifth in the table, just five points behind the Gunners.

And Ferdinand reckons the sight of United in their rear view mirrors is as scary for their rivals as golfers watching world No.1 Tiger Woods charging up the leaderboard.

"I think it can have that effect because people know we have been there and done it before," he said.

"If we do get in that vein of form, it will be difficult to stop us. If we are out in front, I don't think there'll be too many bets against us to take it by horns and take it to the end.

"What was more important was the timing of the win against Arsenal. We were not saying it beforehand, but the effect it would have had if we lost that game, it would have been hard to come back from.

"It was a huge result for us and continues the momentum.

"Our season is not where we want it to be yet, but we can see there is a path building."

The jury is still out on Moyes as he continues with the impossible task of following in Fergie's footsteps.

But Ferdinand insists the players have total belief in their new manager and that he will continue the success the club enjoyed under the Scot.

Rio reckons the teams out in front are looking over their shoulders as Utd prepare to fight for their title [PETER CZIBORRA/ACTION IMAGES]

“If we are out in front, I don't think there'll be too many bets against us to take it by horns and take it to the end”

Rio Ferdinand

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's trip to Cardiff, at the launch of EA Sports' FIFA 14 on Xbox One, the centre-back said: "I don't think it was a problem with belief, it was just a 'getting to know' period.

"You need that in any walk of life. If you go into a new job, there is a bedding in period. I think we are through that now and the results will tell you that.

"The training is a little more intense. That's the way he likes it and the way he does it. We have all warmed to that and we enjoy it.

"We work a bit more on set-pieces but there are not massive differences. People make out like football is intricate and difficult, but it is not as intricate and difficult as people would like to think.

"Sometimes the more difficult you try to make it, the more difficult it is for the players to understand and the results suffer.

"What comes out is that he is confident in his own ability and he is confident in where he has got to by doing certain things.

"He is continuing to stick by those ideals. They have served him well so far in his career and I'm sure they will continue to."

Ferdinand's optimism is based on the form of Wayne Rooney, who he admits has been United's stand-out star so far.

Rooney has put his summer troubles behind him to become United's talisman once again and Ferdinand reckons the England star is hitting his peak.

He added: "I just think with Wazza, if he is playing continually week in and week out, with no blips or injuries, then you get a fit, striving, thriving Rooney. That has been the case this season.

"As long as he is fit in terms of playing week in, week out, then you have a real talent. He has been our best player this season. He is scoring goals, he is making goals and he has the bit between his teeth.

"He seems like the old Wayne Rooney, he is happy and he is enjoying his football. You can see his tail is up and he is enjoying it.

"We have two unbelievable match-winners in him and Robin van Persie. When you have two like that, who can win you a game by themselves, you just need the other people to play their part and you can be successful."

RIO FERDINAND appears in EA SPORTS FIFA 14 on Xbox, out NOW. Build your Ultimate Team with 42 legends such as Pele, Gary Lineker, Dennis Bergkamp and Marco van Basten, EXCLUSIVE to Xbox One and Xbox 360. Order your special edition Xbox One and FIFA 14 now at www.amazon.co.uk #XboxOne